یونس عصری

 Seseli olivieri (Apiaceae) is an exclusive species of the Alborz Mountains, Iran. In this research, the effect of environmental conditions on the vegetative traits and essential oil compounds of this species was investigated. For this purpose, three habitats with different heights were selected and the vegetative characteristics of this species were measured. In each habitat, soil samples and flowering branches of this species were collected and analyzed in the laboratory. The relationship between the functional traits of this species and environmental factors was determined using CA and PCA. Variance analysis of functional traits and soil parameters showed a significant difference between the three habitats. The highest values of vegetative traits were related to Tuyeh habitat. In Tange Kavard habitat, the main effective substances were Apiol and cis-Cadina-1(6),4-diene; in Enzo habitat, Apiol and Bornyl acetate; and in the Tuyeh habitat, Bornyl acetate and α-Pinene. Among the environmental factors, altitude, annual precipitation, annual temperature, minimum temperature of the coldest month, minimum absolute temperature, lime and nitrogen had the most significant correlation with the functional traits of this plant. Based on the IUCN criteria, the conservation status of this species was determined in the critically endangered.

The study of medicinal plants in pasture ecosystems, alongside their ecological requirements, forms the foundation for developing valuable natural models for research and practical applications. Ecological factors primarily influence the type and quantity of essential compounds in medicinal plants. Economic utilization of these plants is feasible only when their compound levels are optimal. Therefore, understanding the factors that enhance active substances in medicinal plants is crucial. This study investigates the correlation between climatic, topographical, and edaphic parameters on the morphological traits and essential oil compounds in Hymenocrater oxyodontus Rech.f.

Three habitats of H. oxyodontus in Semnan province were selected, each with distinct environmental conditions. Within each habitat, 15 plots of 16 m² were established using a systematic random method. Morphological characteristics such as plant height, canopy diameter, canopy cover, biomass, and leaf area were measured. Flowering branches were collected in triplicate, and essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. Essential oil compounds were identified by GC-FID and GC/MS. Soil samples from each habitat were analyzed for physicochemical parameters including pH, EC, OM, N, P, K, SP, lime, and texture. Variance analysis and data mean comparisons were conducted using SPSS software, with correlation analysis and PCA performed in Minitab software. The conservation status of H. oxyodontus was determined using the IUCN criteria via GeoCAT software.

Variance analysis of morphological traits revealed significant differences among the three regions for leaf area (0.1% level), plant height (1% level), canopy diameter, canopy cover, and biomass (5% level). Peygambar Mountain exhibited the highest values for plant height (35.4 cm), canopy diameter (69.2 cm), canopy cover (9.4%), leaf area (2.3 cm²), and biomass (135.1 g). Analysis of essential oil components also showed significant differences among regions at various levels (0.1%, 1%, and 5%). Dominant compounds in Peygambar Mountain included Trans-Cadina-1(6),4-diene (12.1%), Spathulenol (11.2%), Caryophyllene oxide (7.1%), and Nootkatin (7.1%). In Abar Mountain, Spathulenol (10%), α-Vetivone (6.8%), Caryophyllene oxide (6.1%), and Nootkatin (5.8%) were predominant, while 1,8-Cineole (16.4%), Hexadecanoic acid (8.9%), and Spathulenol (7.3%) were main compounds in the Parvar region. Soil physicochemical parameters showed significant differences in EC, OM, P, K, SP, lime, sand, and silt at the 0.1% level, pH and N at the 1% level, and clay at the 5% level. Peygambar region had the highest values for EC (1.3 ds/m), P (16.6 mg/L), OM (2.5%), N (0.14%), and sand (72%). Parvar region exhibited higher values for K (307.6 mg/L), lime (17.1%), SP (31.7%), silt (34%), and clay (12%). Significant correlations were found between altitude, annual precipitation, annual temperature, maximum temperature of the hottest month, OM, N, P, K, SP, lime, and both morphological traits and essential oil compounds. H. oxyodontus was determined to be CR (Critically Endangered) based on an AOO of 4 km² and an EOO of 15,735 km².

Environmental factors, particularly altitude, significantly affect the functional characteristics of H. oxyodontus. Vegetation indices were higher in the lower altitude Peygambar Mountain. For economic utilization, low-altitude areas are recommended for cultivation, whereas for therapeutic purposes, high-altitude areas like Parvar with higher concentrations of oxygenated terpenes are preferable. For commercial cultivation, mountain ecotypes' seeds are suggested.

In different ecosystems, factors such as altitude, rainfall, temperature, lighting, humidity, and soil nutrients are essential variables that affect the metabolism and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Therefore, it is vital to know the factors affecting the active substances of medicinal plants. Therefore, researchers try to increase the production of effective substances by different methods. We can mention the research conducted in the field of the effect of ecological factors on the essential oil compounds of different populations of Nepeta crispa, Salvia sharifii, Satureja rechingeri and Stachys pilifera. This study investigated the relationship between climatic, topographical, and edaphic parameters as necessary factors that influence the morphological traits and essential oil compounds of the medicinal endemic species Dracocephalum ghahremanii Jamzad.

Three habitats of D. ghahremanii were selected in Semnan province with different environmental conditions, and 15 plots of 4 m2 were established by systematic random method. In each plot, the plant height, canopy diameter, cover, biomass and leaf area of the studied species were measured. Flowering branches were collected from natural habitats with three replications, and essential oils were extracted using a hydrodistillation method using a Clevenger apparatus. GC-FID and GC/MS identified the essential oil compounds. Five soil samples were randomly taken from inside the plots in each habitat, and some soil physicochemical parameters, including pH, EC, OM, N, P, K, lime and soil texture, were measured. Analysis of variance and comparison of data mean was done using SPSS software. The most important environmental factors affecting morphological traits and essential oil compounds were determined using the correlation analysis method in SPSS software and the principal component analysis (PCA) method in Minitab software. The conservation status of this species was determined using the IUCN method and based on the criteria of EOO and AOO using GeoCAT software, as well as data related to population size and habitat quality.

 Comparing the average morphological traits of D. ghahremanii showed that the highest and lowest values of morphological traits are related to the Tash region with an altitude of 3043 meters and Tang Kavard with an altitude of 2032 meters, respectively. Variance analysis of morphological traits also showed a significant difference between the plants of the three regions in terms of leaf area at the level of 1% and in terms of plant height, canopy diameter, canopy cover and biomass at the level of 5%. The analysis of D. ghahremanii essential oil showed that its chemical composition differs in three regions. In Tang Kavard region, (E)-β-Farnesene, trans-Cadina-1(6),4-diene and (E)-Caryophyllene, in Dibaj region,(E)-β-Farnesene, trans-Cadina-1(6),4-diene and Caryophyllene oxide, and Tash region, Caryophyllene oxide, α-Vetivone and Carvone hydrate were identified as dominant compounds. Analysis of the variance of common essential oil compounds of this species also showed a significant difference between the averages of these compounds at 0.1%. Physicochemical parameters of D. ghahremanii habitats had significant differences. Variance analysis of the values of these parameters showed that there is a significant difference between the three regions in terms of OM, N, P, K, lime, sand and silt at the level of 0.1%, pH at the level of 1% and EC and clay at the level of 5%. Correlation between the characteristics of this species with some environmental factors showed that altitude, annual precipitation, annual temperature, minimum temperature of the coldest month, maximum temperature of the hottest month, lime, OM, N, P, sand and silt have the most significant correlation with morphological characteristics and essential oil compounds. Considering that the area occupied by this species in the studied populations (AOO) is 0.750 km2 and its presence area in the province (EOO) is 691.046 km2, its conservation status in Iran was determined as Critically Endangered (CR).

As a general conclusion, the increase in altitude has increased the functional characteristics (morphology and phytochemistry) of D. ghahremanii. Despite the relative similarity of the dominant compounds in the essential oil of this species, the composition of the essential oil (percentage of major and minor components) was different in the three investigated regions. Among the environmental parameters, altitude, annual precipitation, OM, N, P, K and silt were the most critical factors affecting the morphological traits and the percentage of oxygenated terpenes, which can indicate the importance of high altitude habitats in terms of essential oil content and compounds with higher antioxidant properties for this plant. Based on these findings, the maximum temperature of the hottest month, the minimum temperature of the coldest month, and the absolute minimum temperature of lime and sand were the most important parameters affecting the percentage of hydrocarbon terpenes. These results can be significant for extracting D. ghahremanii essential oil from natural habitats or commercially cultivating this plant to extract the secondary compounds in its essential oil.

Vegetation study is one of the pillars of land planning in any region, and the identification of plants is the basis of these studies. The purpose of the present study is to introduce the flora, life form, and chorotype of plants, and to investigate the effect of altitudinal gradient on the species diversity of the Dalfard region in the north of Jiroft city, Kerman. According to the altitude range of Dalfard, the flora of the region was collected and identified in three altitudinal zones during the spring and summer seasons of 2021 and 2022. A total of 303 plant species belonging to 217 genera and 71 families were identified. The most important plant families in the region in terms of species richness were Asteraceae (36), Fabaceae (25), Poaceae (25), Lamiaceae (20), and Apiaceae (16). Hemicryptophytes (30.7%) and therophytes (25.1%) were the dominant life forms in the region, respectively. A considerable number of species (40.9%) belonged to the Irano-Turanian region and other species to two, three, or more regions. The highest number of species (221) was observed in the altitudinal zone Z3 (2300-3100 m) and the lowest number of species (41) in the altitudinal zone Z1 (850-1400 m). The highest species similarity was determined between altitudinal zones Z2 and Z3 (37%) and the lowest similarity between three altitudinal zones (2.6%) based on the Jaccard index.

Numerous studies on the chemical composition of Nepeta species essential oils in Iran show that changes in chemical composition are influenced by various factors including geographical location, weather conditions, plant growth stages, and analysis techniques. It is crucial to understand the variables that influence the effective substances of these medicinal plants. Nepetalactone is the first chemotype for the essential oils of plants in this genus. Nepetalactone can be divided into different isomers. For example, 4aα,7α,7aα-Nepetalactone found in Nepeta cephalotes Boiss., Nepeta crassifolia Boiss. & Buhse, Nepeta mirzayanii Rech.f. & Esfand. and Nepeta racemosa Lam.; 4aα,7α,7aβ-Nepetalactone in Nepeta cataria L., Nepeta meyeri Benth. and Nepeta pogonosperma Jamzad & Assadi; and 4aβ,7α,7aβ-Nepetalactone in Nepeta bornmuelleri Hausskn. & Bornm., Nepeta eremophila Hausskn. & Bornm. and Nepeta persica Boiss. are highly useful as biochemical markers for Nepeta essential oil in chemotaxonomic studies. The 1,8-Cineole chemotype or with Linalool makes up the second category. The first chemical is the most prevalent in a number of Nepeta species, including Nepeta binaloudensis Jamzad, Nepeta crispa Willd., Nepeta denudata Benth., Nepeta ispahanica Boiss. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse. The essential oils of Nepeta species in Iran contain 33 effective substances in a significant amount. These oils are comprised of monoterpenes and hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes. To date, research on the phytochemical variety of Nepeta species and how ecological conditions affect their morphological characteristics and secondary metabolites has only looked at Nepeta asterotricha Rech.f., Nepeta binaloudensis, Nepeta eremokosmos Rech.f. and Nepeta pogonosperma. In these studies, it has been frequently mentioned that altitude affects the quantity and quality of beneficial substances found in the species of this genus. There has been no exploration of other factors related to the species' habitat. The purpose of this research project was to conduct a thorough investigation of the effect of environmental parameters on the essential oil composition of medicinal species Nepeta eremokosmos.
 

In Semnan province, three different habitats for Nepeta eremokosmos, each with distinct environmental conditions, were selected. A systematic random method was used to establish a series of plots in each habitat. Vegetative traits, such as plant height, canopy diameter, canopy cover,

 
biomass, and leaf area, were meticulously measured in every plot. To prepare a herbarium sample, the flowering aerial parts of Nepeta eremokosmos were collected in June 2022 from three specific regions: Momenabad, Hajjaj, and Javin. Three replicates of the flowering branches of Nepeta eremokosmos were taken from each population. The samples were dried in both the open air and shade after being transferred to the laboratory. The Clevenger apparatus was used to extract the essential oils through hydrodistillation after grinding the dried samples. GC-FID and GC/MS were used to identify essential oil compounds. In each habitat, five soil samples were also collected, and important physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, OM, N, P, K, lime, gypsum, and soil texture were measured. Afterwards, the data were examined by conducting one-way variance analysis and comparing mean values using SPSS software. Correlation analysis was used to determine the most significant environmental factors that influenced vegetative traits and essential oil compounds. Moreover, principal component analysis was carried out using Minitab software. The conservation status of Nepeta eremokosmos was determined using the IUCN method and based on the criteria of EOO and AOO using GeoCAT software, as well as data related to population size and habitat quality.
 

Nepeta eremokosmos' vegetative traits varied significantly between the three regions in terms of plant height and leaf area, with a 0.1% difference, the canopy diameter and cover are at 1%, while the biomass is at 5%. The comparison of mean vegetative traits revealed that the highest values of height, canopy diameter, canopy cover, leaf area, and biomass, with 20.8 cm, 34.1cm, 2.3%, 4.1cm2, and 30.1g, respectively related to Momenabad habitat. The variance analysis of essential oil components in three populations of Nepeta eremokosmos revealed that their effective substances were significantly different at levels of 0.1, 1 and 5%. The Momenabad habitat contained 1,8-Cineole, 4a, 7a-Nepetalactone, and p-Cymene, with a respective concentration of 50.8, 7.2, and 6.5%. Hajjaj had the highest concentration of 1,8-Cineole, Myrtenal, and p-Cymene, while Javin had 20, 8.7, and 8.1%. According to the variance analysis of soil chemical parameters of Nepeta eremokosmos, the three habitats had a significant difference of 0.1%. By comparing the mean parameters, it was demonstrated that the soil in Momenabad habitat is more acidic and lighter. The concentrations of OM, N, SP, P, and gypsum were elevated with 0.24%, 4.4%, 65.1%, 5.4 mg/l, and 73.9%, in comparison to other habitats. Javin habitat had an EC, K, and lime level that was 1.5 ds/m higher than those in the other two habitats by 117.4 mg/l and 31.6%. Among the environmental factors, altitude, annual precipitation, annual temperature, maximum temperature of the hottest month, N, P, K, OM, gypsum, and lime showed the most significant correlations with the vegetative traits and essential oil compounds of Nepeta eremokosmos. The conservation status of Nepeta eremokosmos in Iran is Critically Endangered, based on its occupancy of 1.250km2 and the extent of its occurrence in 69,862km2. Plant species' essential oils have biological effects that are influenced by their effective substances, which can be affected by both genetic pathways and environmental factors. The plant's chemical performance can be maximized by selecting the most appropriate chemotype based on specific goals and providing optimal environmental conditions. According to the research findings, Nepeta eremokosmos prefers steppe habitats with higher essential oil content and compounds with higher antioxidant properties. Thus, this habitat is deemed suitable for conserving and cultivating Nepeta eremokosmos.

Plants play a key role in the balance of ecosystems and therefore are vital for the sustainability of the environment. Any knowledge about the plant species of a region is considered the basic principle for other research and can be a starting point for future supplementary studies. Biodiversity is one of the important aspects of life, especially considering the climate and land use. Destruction of the environment and natural resources has caused the extinction of plant and animal species and consequently, the reduction of biodiversity in the world. Given that today humans are facing numerous environmental issues and threats to biodiversity, the best way to save biodiversity and understand its values is to continuously evaluate and monitor natural habitats. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating and analyzing plant biodiversity in the Plang-Dareh protected area in Qom province, as well as determining the endemism and conservation status of plant species in the area. The results obtained from this research can be used to explain the role of protected areas in the preservation and maintenance of genetic resources, environmental health and the development of appropriate management-protection plans. Palang-Dareh protected area is located southwest of Qom province. In order to make a contribution to the flora of the region during periodic visits, plant samples were collected in the growing seasons for two consecutive years. Any information about collected samples was noted, and the samples were pressed and dried. Plant species were identified using relevant Floras. In addition to determining the endemic and conservation status of plant species, the life form of plants was determined based on the Raunkier method and the chorology of plant species in the study area was determined using Zohari and Leonard classification. In order to evaluate the biodiversity of vegetation along an altitude gradient, the height (a.s.l.) in the study area was divided into three zones (1600-1900, 1300-2200, 1600-1900 meters). Systematic-random sampling was done from different altitude zone of the study area and biodiversity indices were calculated. Based on our results there are 171 plant species belonging to 126 genera and 46 families in the studied area. The family Asteraceae is the richest plant family in Palang-Dareh. In terms of life form, 45% of the species belong to hemicryptophytes and 22% to therophytes. The chorology of the species showed that more than 65% of the flora of the Palang-Dareh protected area belong to the Irano-Turanian chorotype and 12% belong to the Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean phytogeographical regions. 15% of the identified species are endemic to Iran and some plants are on the list of vulnerable or endangered species. The evaluation of biodiversity indices in different altitude zones revealed that the species diversity and species richness indices have reached their maximum in the intermediate altitude zone and the species diversity decreases with increasing altitude. Having comprehensive knowledge about the vegetation of an area is an essential and the first step in solving ecological issues such as biodiversity conservation, natural resources management and, assessment of environmental conditions. The dominance of a dry climate as well as over-grazing and unauthorized human activities have led to the high prevalence of certain plant species (known as indicators of destruction) and also therophytes in the studied area. Enjoying diverse vegetation and suitable natural habitats, protected areas have an essential role in biodiversity conservation. Based on our results some endemic plants of the area have vulnerable or endangered conservation status so that, more precise conservation plans should be put on the agenda.

In the present study, the flora of Tange-Khoshk Forest Reserve of Semirom in Isfahan with two zones, the core zone (under protection) and the buffer zone, was investigated to introduce the floristic composition, life forms, and geographical distribution, and understand the effects of exclosure on the vegetation structure. In this region, a total of 194 species belonging to 45 genera of plants were identified, of which Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae were the most abundant in terms of the number of species. In terms of life forms, hemicryptophytes were dominant in both core and buffer zones. The study of the geographical distribution of the species showed that in both core and buffer zones, most species belonged to the Irano-Turanian vegetation area. This research showed that the exclosure of the Tange-Khoshk forest reserve had increased the diversity of vegetation, especially the presence of various tree species in the core zone.

This study employed the survey method for the taxonomic investigation of crustose lichens in the Khorasan-Razavi province between 2018 and 2019. The lichen samples were examined for morphological, anatomical, and ecological features for identification. According to the results, the Rinodina castanomela Nyl. was identified as a new report for the lichen flora of Iran. Furthermore, we identified Lecanographa lyncea (Sm) Egea & Torrente that was not previously reported from the Khorasan-Razavi province.

The Booz Daghi region with an area of 62,000 hectares is located 47 kilometers from Maneh and Semelghan city. The floristic composition, biological, and chorological spectra of this area were investigated through several random collections in different habitats and vegetation types, as well as from 220 plots established in selected plant communities during the growing season of 2021. In this regard, 252 vascular plant species belonging to 173 genera and 53 families were recorded as native plants in the Booz Daghi region. The richest families were Asteraceae (31), Poaceae (25), Lamiaceae (22), and Fabaceae (21). The genera Astragalus L. (10), Allium L., Convolvulus L., and Stachys L. (each with 5 species) were the richest ones. Hemicryptophytes (31.3%) and therophytes (29.8%) were the dominant life forms of the region. A considerable number of species (63.5%) belonged to the Irano-Turanian region. The results of this study showed that the Booz Daghi region had a relatively rich flora that requires special attention and proper planning to protect its biodiversity.

The knowledge of rangelands suitability is a requirement for the exploitation of medicinal plants of those rangelands. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to evaluate the exploitability of MPs in 12 representative habitats of semi-steppe regions based on the ecological and economic (E&E) indices. For this purpose, after measuring the vegetation and estimating the production of MPs, the E&E indices related to the exploitation of MPs in each habitat were calculated. Finally, based on the indices, the suitability class of each habitat was determined according to the FAO guidelines by the limiting factor method. The results showed that the forage available of habitats varied from 90 to 591 kg.ha-1. Also, the share of MPs production in habitats was obtained between 5 and 58%. In other words, the production of MPs in the habitats varied from 27 to more than 383 kg.ha-1. Accordingly, the expected value of each hectare of habitats from the exploitation of MPs, taking into account the discount rate of 5.4% in September 2020, varied from 3 to 41 $.ha-1. Overall, the suitability of the habitats varied between good to unsuitable (25% good, 17% moderate, 25% low, and 33% unsuitable) in terms of production and exploitation of MPs, but all the habitats had good suitability in terms of forage production for grazing. Therefore, the exploitation of all the habitats cannot play an important and equal role in improving the livelihood of pastoralists and with the approach of preserving the plant genetic resources, the exploitation of MPs in all the rangeland habitats could not be recommended. In addition, the permitted exploitation limit in each habitat varies according to the conditions and trend of the rangeland and the sensitivity of the soil to erosion. This issue should be considered in the policy of paying attention to MPs, and it should be emphasized in the multi-purpose rangeland management plans.

Identification of plant species in different habitats of the country, specially protected areas, is of special importance .In the present research, the flora of the Qalajeh protected area in the south of Kermanshah province was studied during the period from 1393 to 1395 (2015 to 2017). A total of 326 species (258 species of dicotyledons and 68 species of monocotyledons) belonging to 58 families and 225 genera were identified in this area. The largest families were Fabaceae with 13 genera and 43 species, Asteraceae with 29 genera and 39 species, Poaceae with 27 genera and 38 species, Apiaceae with 17 genera and 23 species, Lamiaceae with 13 genera and 21 species, Brassicaceae with 16 genera and 20 species, Boraginaceae with 10 genera and 13 species and Caryophyllaceae with 9 genera and 11 species. The life forms of the studied plant species included phanerophytes (5.2%), chamaephytes (7.7%), Hemicryptophytes (32.5%), Geophytes (11.4%), Therophytes (42.0%), Hydrophytes (0.9%), and Epiphytes (0.3%). From the chorological point of view, 26.3% of the total species were Irano-Turanian elements from which 4% were Iranian endemic species. The other species belong to two, three, or more phytogeographical regions.

Drought stress during seed germination of most plants disrupts many physiological processes and ultimately prevents root emergence and reduced germination percentage. In this regard, the effect of osom-priming with different concentrations of polyethylene glycol on the germination characteristics of Allium L. seeds of seven species, including A. cristophii Trautv., A. giganteum Regel, A. longisepalum Bertol, A. pseudobodeanum R.M. Fritsch & Matin, A. stipitatum Boiss., M.B. A. rubellum, M.POP. & Vved. A. vavilovii, in the case of drought stress, was investigated as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Experimental treatments included priming with different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 6000 (-0.6, -0.9, -1.2 MPa and control) in 5ºC. The results showed that with increasing the concentration of polyethylene glycol, germination indicators increased. The most effective concentrations of polyethylene glycol to improve germination and viability of seedlings were A. pseudobodeanum, A. vavilovii, A. cristophii, A. stipitatum, -1.2MPa, in A. giganteum, -0.9Mpa. However, in two species, A. rubellum and A. longisepalum, control treatment showed the best germination characteristics. The results of cluster analysis of seven species of Allium were divided into five groups. A. pseudobodeanum so that the greatest improvement in germination and viability at high concentrations of polyethylene glycol was separated from other species. Due to the fact that these species are of great agricultural, medicinal and ornamental value, they can be used optimally by modifying and creating suitable varieties.

Multipurpose use of rangelands is one of the new challenges facing rangeland users, according to which grazing pressure in rangelands can be reduced and an important step can be taken to increase the welfare and empowerment of rangelands, preserve ecosystems and improve ecosystem services related to them. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the potential of rangelands in the semi-steppe region, for the use of medicinal plants and forage production, in 12 habitats of the country (including: Arshad Chamanof Sahand, Shiveh Soor of Marghavar of Urmia, DoshKharat of Golestankooh, Derakhtak of Friedan, Aliabad Moshiri of Koohrang, Freeze heights of Binalood, Khoraklat of Razavi Khorsan, Joladak of Alamut, Sar Ali Abad of Gorgan, Rineh of Larijan, Otaghsara of Larijan and Kaboudcheshmeh of Savadkuh) were performed. For this purpose, after measuring the vegetation and estimating the production of medicinal plants; based on ecological, economic and social criteria and indicators; the suitability of each habitat for the use of medicinal plants was determined. Then, by comparing the suitability class of habitats for the use of medicinal plants and their suitability class for livestock grazing, a decision was made regarding the priority of the type of rangeland use. Overall; 17% of habitats, by all criteria, are unsuitable for the use of medicinal plants. 33% have good suitable, 25% have medium suitable and 25% have low suitable. The results suggest that not all rangeland habitats are suitable for the use of medicinal plants, and not all of them are suitable for the use of medicinal plants. This issue should be considered in the policies related to the harvest of medicinal plants from the rangelands, and the use of medicinal plants should be allowed, taking into account the suitability of the rangeland. In rangelands with potential for medicinal plants, it is possible to reduce the number of livestock and grazing livestock in accordance with ecological principles; he used medicinal plants along with livestock. This, in addition to compensating for the economic problems caused by reducing the number of livestock, will also restore vegetation and enhance the richness of medicinal plants.

Pollen grains micromorphological characteristics in nine genera of Chenopodiaceae (Atriplex, Bassia, Bienertia, Chenopodium, Dysphania, Haloxylon, Kochia, Salsola, and Suaeda) that tolerate more difficult ecological conditions in Iran were examined by Light Microscopy (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The obtained results showed that, the pollen grains quantitative and qualitative micromorphological characters were different in the studied species. A dendrogram obtained from the pollen grain characters in our research placed these taxa on two groups and three pollen types. Although, pollen group 1 had not taxonomical values. Pollen group 2 partly was in agreement with taxonomical level based on recently taxonomical and phylogenetic works including type A (Atriplex), type C (Chenopodium), and type D (Dysphania). Pore number had a major role to construct group 2. The number of echinate on pore membrane and on 10 μm2 area of exine had major roles in constructing of group 1. The other pollen grains characters were important for the delimitation of both groups.

To investigate the effect of drought stress on morphological traits and proline values seedling establishment in five species of Allium, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in greenhouse conditions at the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran in 2019. The first factor was species in five levels (Allium longisepalum Bertol., A. rubellum M. Bieb., A. giganteum Regel, A. stipitatum Regel, A. vavilovii Popov & Vved.) and the second factor was drought stress at four levels (100% (control), 75%, 50% and 35% field capacity). The results showed that effect of drought stress was significant on root length, bulb length and diameter, bulb dry weight, bulb dry matter (%) and leaf proline content. The results of cluster analysis put A. rubellum and A. vavilovii with a larger and heavier bulb due to drought stress in one cluster and A. longisepalum, A. giganteum and A. stipitatum with longer root length in the second cluster. The results showed different responses of Allium species to drought stress, as in A. giganteum and A. longisepalum, which showed signs of wilting 24 and 20 days after severe drought stress (35% of field capacity), respectively, were the most tolerant species, which can be used for genetic modification or planting in green space.

The study of flora characteristics and their relationship with ecological factors in habitats has a particular importance, especially in protected areas. This study aims to analyze chorological and endemism of the Central Alborz protected area flora. The study area is the slopes of Welwesht, Dahla, and Azadkouh heights in the protected area of Central Alborz, Mazandaran province. The total number of collected and identified taxa is 331, which belong to 197 genera and 46 families. During the floristic studies of the region, Nepeta azadkouhensis Saberamoli from Lamiaceae family was identified and introduced as a new species. About 49.25% of taxa are hemicryptophytes, 57.40% of all species belong to Irano-Turanian chorotype. Forty-six taxa, equal to 13.9% of all taxa, are endemic to Iran. Of these, 37 species, equal to 82.22% of endemic species, belong to the vegetation zone of Irano-Turanian. The habitat of mountain steppes, mainly with grasses and cushion-shaped plants with 24.47% of the total taxa, has the highest species richness. The results of the species richness study in the altitude classes of the endemic taxa showed that, in total, more than 70% of the taxa are located in medium to semi-high habitats. The study of the presence of endemic species in vegetation elements confirms the dominance of the Irano-Turanian vegetation zone in the region, with the significant presence and influence of European-Siberian elements.

Oshtorankooh protected area is located in the east of Lorestan. The aim of the present study was to investigate vegetation, biological forms, and geographical distribution pattern of plant species in the area. A total of 730 species of vascular plants belonging to 77 families and 382 plant genera were identified. Asteraceae (116 species), Fabaceae (81 species), Lamiaceae (74 species), Poaceae (63 species), Brassicaceae (56 species), Apiaceae (46 species), and Rosaceae (24 species) had the highest number of species and the largest share of species richness in the study area. Hemicryptophyt with 264 species (36.16%) and Therophyt with 251 (34.38 %) were the most frequent biological form of the area. The plant species of the Irano-Turanian region with 330 species (45.2%) had the highest distribution and the dominant species of the region. Of the total species identified in the Oshtrankooh protected area, 107 were Iranian Endemics. In order to preserve valuable species of this region, it is necessary to implement severe conservation plannings.

Diaphanoptera khorasanica is Iran's endemic species and vulnerable threat class. In this research, some of the vegetative and environmental characteristics of this species were studied in the Chalpo-e-Ataeiyeh habitat of Razavi khorassan and Hoindeh and Kajdarreh Sarigoul National Park in North Khorasan, Iran. For sampling of D. khorasanica, 45 plots were arranged in a systematic - random method along 9 transects of 100 m for all three habitats. In each plot, the vegetative properties of this species were measured. In each habitat, three soil samples were randomly taken from the depth of 0-20 cm at the under of the plants, and some of their physical and chemical characteristics were measured. Climatic data of 10 years was extracted from synoptic stations of Kashmar and Esfarayn. After data collection, one way ANOVA was used to analyze vegetative and soil characteristics and Duncan's test was used to compare the means. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the three habitats in terms of crown cover and diameter of the thickest stem at 5% level, plant height and leaf length , density and length of the longest stem at 1% level, but the number of seedling and leaf width were not significantly different. Also, there was a significant difference between the habitats for all of soil characteristics (p < 0.01). The most important environmental factors affecting vegetative characteristics were determined using principal components analysis (PCA). The results showed that minimum absolute temperature, average minimum temperature of coldest month, annual rainfall, electrical conductivity, clay and direction of slope had the most effect on these characteristics, respectively. Also among the vegetative characteristics, length of the longest stem, plant height, crown cover, number of plants and diameter of the thickest stem had the most effect on environmental characteristics.

As a highly valuable source of ephedrine, Ephedra major is well-adapted to various habitats in Iran. Over the last few decades, human’s activity, in particular, over exploitation of its populations to extract medicinally valuable constitutes, have endangered this species. In this investigation, the level of genetic diversity and genetic structure in 16 natural populations of E. major for the very first time have been assessed utilizing molecular markers, inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR). A high level of genetic diversity was revealed among the population where Dehbar region (Khorasan Razavi province, Iran) exhibited the highest quantity of genetic parameters (P = 67.96%, H = 0.365 236, I = 0.365). Intra-population genetic diversity (71%) was significantly higher than inter-population genetic diversity (29%) and only 1% genetic diversity among-regions. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and Bayesian clustering methods indicated the presence of a relatively strong population structure and to some extent in accordance with the geographical origin of populations. However, the success of UPGMA in grouping populations in congruence with their geographical location was more tangible. From the outcomes of this study, it could be asserted that, ISSR markers are effective in detecting the pattern of genetic diversity in E. major populations. On the other hand, by having reliable knowledge of the status of genetic diversity and structure of populations of this species, the first steps can be taken to protect populations with low genetic diversity, and also pave the way for breeding programs to finding and selection of superior populations.

Alhagi is a small genus of desert or semi-desert shrubs with about six species widely distributed throughout northern Africa, eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East to the Central Asia, and small parts of India and China. Despite previous molecular and morphological studies on the genus, the taxonomy of Alhagi has been remained controversial. In order to delimit natural groups as well as to clarify interspecific relationships of Alhagi species distributed in Iran, 45 ingroup taxa representing 30 accessions of the genus Alhagi and 15 species from the sister genera, as well as two species, namely, Astragalus arthuri and Colutea persica as outgroups were selected. The nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer was employed for phylogenetic reconstructions. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The obtained results recovered Alhagi accessions as a well-supported monophyletic group. All three traditionally recognized species in Iran split into two distinct morphologically well-supported lineages similar to splits graph. The results showed that, Alhagi maurorum and A. graecorum are recognized as two distinct species distributed in two phytogeographical regions of Irano-Turanian and Saharo-Sindian. As a complementary taxonomic treatment, the diagnostic key and description of the species are also provided herewith.

Teucrium polium is a Mediterranean native subshrub with large distribution range and high medicinal values which overexploitation of its population has become a serious danger and conservation attempts is needed. Having the genetic information of its population can help to clarify the complicated phylogenetic relationships of species within the sections, genetic conservation and establishing breeding programs to develop cultivars and ultimately preventing declining the populations of T. polium. The genetic diversity parameters and populations structures of 16 populations of T. polium at the local scale in the Alborz mountain range of Iran were assessed using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) primers. The averages of polymorphism (P%), Nei’s genetic diversity (H), and Shannon’s Information Index (I) were 33.24%, 0.118 and 0.179, respectively. The population of Asara to Gach-Sar presented the highest P%; 43.28%, H; 0.163 and I; 0.243. AMOVA analysis indicated that, a large portion of genetic variation as within population (77%), and a relatively high genetic differentiation (Gst: 0.311) and gene flow (Nm: 1.107) among populations were observed. UPGMA tree and PCoA plot of ISSR data divided the populations into three genetic groups to a significant extent based on the geographical origins. Similarly, the results showed that, STRUCTURE analysis grouped the populations into three clusters with significant geographical affinity. Teucrium polium exhibited a strong structure and genetic differentiation with low to moderate genetic diversity.

Samples of Lichen were collected in North-East (NE) of Iran (Khorasan Razavi Province, Torghabeh city) and studied with morphological, anatomical and ecological characteristics. Accordingly, Anema prodigulum (Nyl.) Henssen (Lichinaceae) and Pyrenodesmia microstepposa (Frolov, Nadyeina, Khodos. & Vondrák) Hafellner & Türk (Teloschistaceae) are reported for the first time from Iran.